Food Storage & Handling Info

We believe its important to properly store & handle your food in order to reduce food waste.

Check out some information below to make sure you getting the most out of your groceries:

Meat

How do I thaw my meat safely?

Frozen foods are best thawed in the refrigerator over the course of a day or two.

There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave.

To thaw in a cold water bath, the bag should be submerged in cold tap water and you should change the water every 30 minutes. Small packages of meat, around a pound, may thaw in an hour or less. Larger meats, like whole chickens, could take multiple hours to thaw properly.

When microwave-defrosting food, plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving.

Perishable foods should never be thawed on the counter, or in hot water and should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Can I refreeze my meat items even if they have thawed?

Yes, once food is thawed in the refrigerator, it is safe to refreeze it without cooking. Please stick to the USDA guidelines below.

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, ground meat and poultry need to be cooked within a day or two after thawing in the refrigerator. Cuts of beef, lamb, pork and roasts, should be cooked within three to five days of thawing.

How long can I keep meat in my refrigerator?

You should cook refrigerated beef, lamb or pork within 5 days of thawing, or refreeze it. For poultry, it's recommended that you cook within 2 days of thawing, or refreeze it. For our bacon, sausage and ham, you can keep it in your refrigerator for 45 days after thawing if unopened. Once you open the package, we suggest consuming within 4-5 days.

How long can I keep meat in my freezer?

Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely. However, for the best quality, here are is USDA's recommended freezer time periods.

Hot Dogs, Bacon, Ham and Sausage: up to 2 months
Poultry: up to 3 months
Meat, uncooked roasts, steaks & chops: up to 12 months
Meat, uncooked ground: up to 4 months
Poultry, uncooked whole: Up to 12 months
Poultry, uncooked parts: Up to 9 months
Poultry, uncooked giblets: Up to 4 months
Broths, Soups and Stews: Up to 3 months
Wild game, uncooked: Up to 12 months

According to the USDA, "Freezer burn does not make food unsafe, merely dry in spots. It appears as grayish-brown leathery spots and is caused by air coming in contact with the surface of the food. Cut freezer-burned portions away either before or after cooking the food. Heavily freezer-burned foods may have to be discarded for quality reasons."

How should I store meat?

You should store your meat in the refrigerator or freezer. If you receive meat that is partially thawed, you can refreeze and thaw at a later date. To defrost frozen meat, thaw it in the packaging in the refrigerator for about 1 day before using. For larger cuts, it may take 2 days to defrost.

You should cook refrigerated beef, lamb or pork within 5 days of thawing, or refreeze it. For poultry, it's recommended that you cook within 2 days of thawing, or refreeze it. For our bacon, sausage and ham, you can keep it in your refrigerator for 45 days after thawing if unopened. Once you open the package, we suggest consuming within 4-5 days.

How do I cook/ re-heat a ham?

Our ham is fully cooked, so you can enjoy it either warmed in your oven or cold. It's ready to be sliced and served once it's defrosted.

How to Defrost: 2 days before serving, place the ham in your refrigerator to gently defrost your sustainably produced ham.

If you'd like it warm: You can reheat the ham in your oven at 325-degrees until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees. Wrap the ham in tin foil or place the ham in an oven bag. Heat no longer than 10 minutes per pound.

How to Handle Leftovers: Keep Refrigerated and consume the ham if refrigerated within 3 days of opening.

Want to save it for later? Slice into steaks – wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap to exclude air, place into a zip lock bag and freeze immediately.

Credit: Keller Crafted Meats, FAQ 

Produce

Should I wash my fruits & veggies when I get home from the market?

No need to wash fruits and vegetables until you’re ready to use them. Washing removes natural protective barriers and introduces moisture, which encourages the growth of bacteria and mold.

Should I refrigerate all my produce?

It's best to refrigerate most of your produce but feel free to skip items like onions, shallots, garlic, pomegranates, potatoes (sweet included) & winter squashes in the pantry!

 

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